Local Children Benefit from Safety Additions at Schools Across our Region

Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Member for Kiama Gareth Ward MP has today announced that nine public schools across our region will benefit from the completion of a $10 million program boosting school zone safety.

Mr Ward said that this initiative included upgrades to pedestrian infrastructure at 140 schools as well as the addition of extra school zone flashing lights to more than 500 schools around the State.

The following fifteen public schools across our region will benefit, including:

“The $5 million pedestrian safety infrastructure program provided grants of up to $50,000 to local Councils to upgrade or install additional safety infrastructure on local roads around local schools,” he said.

“$5 million was invested in additional school zone flashing lights at 504 school zones around the State.

“We all have a role to play when it comes to pedestrian safety, particularly when it comes to the safety around schools.

“Importantly, these local school students will be a little safer walking near their schools thanks to the fact that the Illawarra and Shoalhaven region has shared in this funding,” Mr Ward said.

“Although there have been no school aged pedestrian deaths in active school zones since December 2013 drivers should not become complacent.

“Roads and children can be a dangerous mix, which is why we are investing in making school zones as safe as possible to reduce the risk of tragedy.

“School children are some of the most vulnerable people using the road, which is why we have programs such as school zone flashing lights, pedestrian crossings and fencing to keep children safe going to and from school.

“We can all play our part in keeping our kids safe by sticking to school zone speed limits and constantly keeping an eye out for children who might run out onto the road unexpectedly.

“The number of pedestrian deaths in NSW so far this year stands at 41, which is 12 more than the same time last year,” Mr Ward concluded.